The Cincinnati Bengals have signed linebacker Vontaze Burfict to a three-year contract extension worth $38.68 million, including a $3.3 million signing bonus. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, the Bengals will give Burfict an additional $7 million this season from the extension that will keep him through the 2020 season.
In a statement, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said Burfict, as one of the league’s young and emerging talents, has been rewarded for his hard work during training that made him one of the best linebackers in the NFL today.
“It's pleasing that Vontaze has made this commitment to be a part of the organization going forward,” said Lewis, stressing that it was important to reach an extension with Burfict before the start of the season.
Burfict suspended for three games
The signing came days after Burfict was slapped with a three-game suspension for his hit on Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman during their Week 4 preseason game. Originally, the penalty was a four-game suspension, but it was reduced to three games upon appeal. Burfict will return on October 1 when the Bengals take on the Cleveland Browns. Last season, Burfict had 101 tackles, two sacks and two picks in 11 games. In six seasons with the Bengals, he tallied 502 tackles, seven sacks, and five interceptions.
He joined the Bengals as an undrafted rookie in 2012.
Adrian Peterson excited for Minnesota return
For the first time since was released by the Vikings, veteran running back Adrian Peterson will return to Minnesota as a member of the New Orleans Saints as they face off Monday night. Peterson told members of the Minnesota media via conference call that he expects a warm welcome from Vikings fans, owing to his 10-year stint with the team.
“A lot of good memories there and being the face of the franchise for so long, giving them everything I've got,” said Peterson. In his 10-year stint with the Vikings, he emerged as the franchise leader in carries with 2,418, rushing yards with 11,747, rushing scores with 97 and 100-yard games with 49.
In 2012, Peterson won the MVP Award and made it to the All-Pro four times with the Vikings.
It remains unclear what role will Peterson play in the Saints crowded backfield. He will compete for carries with the franchise top rusher Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara. Peterson signed a two-year deal worth $7 million with the Saints, including a $2.5 million signing bonus and $1 million guaranteed pay for 2017. He also stands to earn a cool $1 million bonus if he rushes for 1,500 yards this season. In his career, Peterson has topped the 1,500-yard mark twice in 2008 and 2012.
